Soul Devourer Chapter 7 Episode 19 — Clive's Doubts
While Yuito was conquering the second dungeon, news of everything that had transpired in the plaza spread like wildfire through eyewitness accounts and social media, sending shockwaves across the United States.
Naturally, the information also reached the Upper S-Rank Hunters and the members of the〈Thirteen Warriors〉.
Among them, the third-seat of the〈Thirteen Warriors〉,〔Fighting Master〕Clive, voiced his objections to the Guild Master.
“Guildmaster, I still oppose accepting Yuito Matsubara.”
“...And why is that?”
“Nearly a hundred S-Rank Hunters have already been killed by Yuito Matsubara. In the first dungeon, numerous Hunters never returned. At the second dungeon, the massacre in the plaza was no different from a public execution.”
“So what? Yuito Matsubara is a King. Since I promised him true freedom, I have no reason to condemn his actions.”
“In our nation, the Hunter superpower, S-Rank Hunters are not considered our highest strategic assets. Even so, they remain valuable fighting strength.”
“Hmm... That's certainly true.”
“Our Hunters possess just enough strength that they've become incapable of recognizing when to back down. If this situation is left unchecked, every last S-Rank Hunter will eventually be wiped out by Yuito Matsubara.”
“You make a fair point. Very well. Issue an announcement to every Hunter. Tell them, ‘Yuito Matsubara is our nation's newest "King". If you value your life, do not lay a hand on him.’.”
“...You're not going to say anything to Yuito Matsubara himself?”
“To him? Why would I? As I've said repeatedly, he's a King. A King answers to no one. Besides, if I impose restrictions on him, I'd have to accept restrictions myself. I have no intention of doing that.”
“So even if he exterminates every S-Rank Hunter, you see no problem with it? They're valuable military assets if America intends to dominate the world.”
“Hahaha! What are you talking about? We already have eleven individuals who surpass S Rank Hunters. On top of that, we have three who can destroy an entire nation by themselves.
…
China and Russia are no longer threats, merely obstacles. Even if every single S-Rank Hunter vanished, it wouldn't hinder our conquest of the world.”
“...Don't you think you're placing too much faith in him? If he harbors hostile intentions toward America, the privilege of true freedom you've granted him could easily backfire.”
“Overwhelming military power capable of crushing individuals and nations alike, immeasurable wealth earned from dungeon conquests, and the authority to decide who lives and who dies.
…
Why would anyone turn against a nation where they can exercise all of that without restraint?”
“...”
“If you have nothing more to say, then leave.”
“...Excuse me.”
Clive bit down on his lower lip as he quietly left the office.
Our nation's〘Regalias〙, Rex and Angelica, are people who survived in a world where the strong prey upon the weak and climbed all the way to its summit.
That's precisely why none of us would ever harbor thoughts of betraying our own country in pursuit of enjoying that freedom.
But Yuito Matsubara was different.
A man born and raised in the relatively peaceful nation of Japan, who had reached the rank of〘Regalia〙in the blink of an eye.
A true Hunter who traveled from country to country, conquering dungeon after dungeon. A man powerful enough to return unscathed even after entering the Hunter superpowers of China and Russia.
How would someone raised in a peaceful country view a nation built upon the belief that "might makes right"?
Would he embrace true freedom...?
Or would he feel something upon witnessing the reality of the weak being oppressed?
If he possessed a warped sense of justice, he might very well interfere in America's affairs.
Although he had chosen to "embrace true freedom"…
…Clive couldn't afford to take those words at face value.
“...I'll have to keep him under surveillance in secret.”
Determined to uncover Yuito Matsubara's true intentions, Clive quietly set his plan into motion.
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E/N:
Two idiots in one chapter… Haa, how this nation is still standing is a miracle.
Stay tuned!
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